Apparatus and method for joining building components

ABSTRACT

A joint apparatus and method of assembly is disclosed for connecting building components such as panels, door jamb assemblies, windows and other structures. The apparatus includes an engagement structure with retaining elements that couple building components without the need for mechanical fasteners. The retaining element may contain serrations on which an adhesive is applied before a panel or other building component is secured to the joint apparatus. Other building components such as hinge assemblies include coupling members with a flange. The slots along a retaining element allows coupling members to snap fit into the joint apparatus once a flange is secured into the slots in order to lock the components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a joint apparatus forfacilitating the assembly of building components such as panels, hingeassemblies, latch assemblies, door stops, and other structural elements.These building components may be installed within a commercial aircraft.A building component is secured to the joint apparatus using adhesive orsnap fit locking engagement. In addition, the invention relates to amethod and apparatus for coupling and supporting building components inplanar or angular relation.

2. Description of Related Art

Structural joint connectors have use in a variety of manufacturing andbuilding applications to create many different products. The connectorshave numerous functions that include joining panels and variousdifferent building components during production. A variety of differentconnectors have been developed to interconnect structural elements.

Existing devices used to secure panels and other components include theuse of an extrusion with flanges designed to fit along a panel edge.Mechanical fasteners are commonly installed through the flange and intothe panel in order to strengthen the joint. Other connectors thatinclude straps, angles, edges, and end fittings with a greater thicknessor different material are used to enhance the strength of joints. Forexample aircraft industries have created aluminum connectors to joinwalls, panels, and barriers for aircraft interiors.

In aerospace applications, size and weight considerations are paramount.Many existing structural components were created to decrease weight,size, or the amount of material required while providing sufficientstrength to ensure an effective joint. In addition, the amount of laborhours required to assemble the components must also be considered inorder to minimize manufacturing costs. Accordingly, there is acontinuing need in the art for building components that are lightweight,size efficient, cost effective, and easy to assemble.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a lightweight and compactjoint apparatus provides a secure structural connection for buildingcomponents such as wall panels and hinge assemblies while reducing theamount of labor hours required during assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention, the joint apparatuses andmethods provide a rigid connection for a variety of building components.A small, lightweight, and sturdy apparatus that connects two adjacentpanels or joins a panel with another distinctive building componentincludes a channel with an engagement structure that allows buildingcomponents to connect without the need of mechanical fasters. The jointapparatus may interlock with a portion of each of the adjacent panels tosecure them together. It is also a feature of this invention to providea novel method of ensuring that a solid structural joint results.

According to another aspect, a snap fit locking engagement secures eachbuilding component to the joint apparatus. Slots and engagementstructures along with a consistently designed coupling enhance thestrength of a joint.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the joint apparatuswith a single building component.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a joint apparatus embodiment similar tothat illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a joint apparatuscoupling two building components.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a joint apparatus and two buildingcomponents.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a joint apparatus and two buildingcomponents at a corner.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the joint apparatus illustrated inFIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a joint apparatus and two buildingcomponents.

FIG. 8 illustrates a joint apparatus with two building components at acorner.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention, andthe manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readilyapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of theinvention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whichillustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments, and which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a partial view of a joint apparatus 10 which includes achannel 12 formed by an engagement structure 14. An engagement structure14 may include a first retaining element 16 to enhance the strength of acoupling between the joint apparatus and a building component 20 such asa panel, a hinge assembly, or a door stop installed in aircraftinteriors. The embodiment comprises an engagement structure 14 that mayinclude a first retaining element 16 and a second retaining element 18that are configured to engage with an insert structure 24 of a buildingcomponent 20 that has a planar surface 26 such as a panel 22. Retainingelements 16, 18 may configured to engage with a panel 22 that has acomplementary configured insert structure 24.

The joint apparatus 10 is small and lightweight and has the strength tocouple building component 20. It may be fabricated from an aluminumalloy material such as 7075 or 2024.

The retaining element 16 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes atreated surface 27 with serrations 30 to enhance the rigidity of thecoupling such that a channel 12 can secure a building component 20without the use of additional mechanical fasteners such as screws,bolts, etc.

A substance used for bonding, such as adhesive 32, may also be appliedto a retaining element 16 prior to contact with an insert structure 24of a building component 20. The serrations 30 are approximately 0.010inch deep to ensure proper bonding. The size of a joint apparatus andmethod used to install a building component may be adapted to satisfystrength requirements and minimize the dimensions of the component.

The size of retaining elements 16, 18, described in the embodiment alongwith method of joining, characteristics of an adhesive 32, and use ofserrations 30 enhance the strength of the joint and eliminate the needfor a building component, such as a panel, with a thickness greater than1 inch. This can result in a significant reduction in size and weight inorder to satisfy requirements for products such as aircraft interiors.The length of the retaining elements 16, 18 are approximately 0.50 inchin order to retain a building component 20 that is approximately 0.50inch wide.

FIG. 2 illustrates a joint apparatus 10 with an engagement structure 14.An engagement structure includes retaining elements 16, 18 andserrations 30.

FIG. 3 illustrates a joint apparatus 10 that couples first and secondbuilding components 20, 21.

The joint apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes channels 12, 13.Each channel includes an engagement structure 14 with retaining elements16, 18 to join more than one building component such as panels 22, 23. Aretaining element 16 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includesserrations 30 to enhance the bond strength of an adhesive 32 which isapplied prior to coupling an insert structure 20 to a joint apparatus10. The assembly of FIG. 4 is exemplary only, and the joining apparatusdisclosed and/or claimed herein may be used to connect numerous otherbuilding components such as hinge assemblies, latches, and stops.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 5 which includes a joint apparatus 10 coupling two buildingcomponents 20, 21 at a corner.

FIG. 6 illustrates a joint apparatus 10 that includes a first channel 12and a second channel 13 that bridge two building components 20, 21 at anangle. A first channel 12 includes an engagement structure 14 comprisinga first retaining element 16 and a second retaining element 18. Anadhesive 32 is applied over serrations 30, which extend from a retainingelement before a building component such as a panel 22 is inserted intoa channel 12 and supported by an engagement structure 14. A retainingelements 16, 18 are configured to engage with a building apparatus 22that has a complementary configured insert structure 24.

The embodiment in FIG. 6 also includes a decorative layer and/orprotective rub strip 42 that is attached to a joint apparatus 10. Theembodiment includes a projection 44 extending from a joint apparatus 10that secure a rub strip 42 to a joint apparatus 10. A rub strip 42 has astructural extension 46 and a retainer cavity 48 that is compatible witha projection 44 in order to provide a means of snap fit fastening. Thisis created to ensure quick disassembly and installation in order toaccomplish maintenance, repairs, or modifications.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 7 which is a cross sectional view of a joint apparatus 10 thatincludes a first channel 12 and a second channel 13 that couple twobuilding components 20, 21. A first channel 12 includes an engagementstructure 14 comprising a first retaining element 16 and a secondretaining element 18. An adhesive 32 is applied over serrations 30 whichextend from a retaining element before a building component such as apanel 22 is inserted into a channel 12 and supported by an engagementstructure 14.

The second channel 13 includes an engagement structure 14 with retainingelements 28, 29 to secure a second building component 21. A buildingcomponent 21 may be a jamb element 34 such as a door stop 33, hingeassembly or latch assembly. Retaining elements 28, 29 illustrated in theembodiment include a slot 35 to secure a door stop 33 to a jointassembly 10. Door stop 33 includes a coupling member 38 that fits intoan engagement structure 14. Upon insertion of a coupling member 38, aflange 40 on a coupling member 38 snap-fits into slots 35 located alongan engagement structure 14. The snap-fit connection is accomplished oncethe flange 40 is snugly fit into the slots 35 in order to secure abuilding component 21 onto a joint apparatus 10 without the use ofmechanical fasteners. In another embodiment, a flange 40 on anengagement structure may be used to fit into a slot 35 on a couplingportion 38 of a building component 21 in order to snap-fit uponinsertion.

Each embodiment may include a universal retaining element, 29. Inaddition to a slot 35, a retaining element 29 comprises a treatedsurface with serrations 30 for use when joining a building componentthat does not include a coupling member 38 with a flange 40. Serrations30 enhance rigidity to allow a channel 13 to secure a building componentthat does not include a flange 40. The embodiment includes an adhesivethat is applied over serrations 30, before a building component 21 suchas a panel 22 is inserted into a channel 13 and supported by anengagement structure 28, 29.

Referencing FIG. 7 in some of the embodiments, a decorative layer and/orprotective rub strip 42 may be attached to a joint apparatus 10. Theapparatus illustrated in the embodiment includes projections 44extending from an engagement structure 14 that secure a rub strip 42 toa joint apparatus 10. Rub strip 42 includes a structural extension 46and a retainer cavity 48 that is compatible with a projection 44 inorder to provide a means of snap fit fastening. This is created toensure quick disassembly and installation in order to accomplishmaintenance, repairs, or modifications.

A joint apparatus 10 that couples two building components, 20, 21 at acorner is illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a cross section illustration of an embodiment of the inventionthat includes use of a joint apparatus 10 connecting building components20, 21 at a corner. A joint apparatus includes two channels 12, 13, afirst connector 50, and a second connector 51. A first connector 50, maybe attached to retaining elements 18, 28 at an angle. A second connector51 may be fabricated with a curved surface 53 and attached to retainingelements 16, 29 in parallel.

The first channel 12 includes an engagement structure 14 comprising afirst retaining element 16 and a second retaining element 18. Anadhesive 32 is applied over serrations 30, which extend from a retainingelement 16 before a building component 20 such as a panel 22 is insertedinto a channel 12 and supported by a engagement structure 14. The use ofserrations and adhesive enhance the strength of the joint and eliminatethe need for mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, rivetsor pins.

The second channel 13 includes an engagement structure 14 with retainingelements 28, 29 to secure a second building component 21. A buildingcomponent may be a jamb element 34 such as a hinge assembly 36, doorstop, or latch assembly.

Hinge assembly 36 includes a coupling member 38 that fits into aengagement structure 14. Upon insertion of a coupling member 38, aflange 40 extending from a coupling portion 38 snap-fits into slots 35located along an engagement structure 14. The snap-fit connection allowsa flange 40 to snugly fit into slots 35 and secure hinge assembly 36 toa joint apparatus, 10 without the use of mechanical fasteners such as ascrew, bolt, nail pin, or rivet. In another embodiment, flanges on anengagement structure 14 can be used to fit into slots 35 on a couplingportion 38 of a building component 21 in order to snap-fit uponinsertion.

In addition to a slot 35 or a flange 40, a retaining element 29comprises a treated surface with serrations 30 for use when joining abuilding component that does not include a coupling member 38 with aflange 40. Serrations 30 enhance rigidity to allow a channel 13 tosecure a building component that does not include a flange 40. Theembodiment includes an adhesive that is applied over serrations 30,before a building component 21 such as a panel 22 is inserted into achannel 13 and supported by an engagement structure 28, 29

With continued reference to FIG. 9, in other embodiments a jointapparatus may also include a decorative layer and/or protective rubstrip 42 that is attached to a joint apparatus 10. A joint apparatusillustrated in the embodiment includes projections 44 extending from anengagement structure 14 that secure rub strip 42 to a joint apparatus10. Rub strip 42 has a structural extension 46 and a retainer cavity 48that is compatible with a projection 44 in order to provide a means ofsnap fit fastening. This is created to ensure quick disassembly andinstallation in order to accomplish maintenance, repairs, replacement,or modifications.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the preceding exemplaryembodiments of the invention provide the foundation for numerousalternatives and modifications thereto. These other modifications arealso within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention isnot limited to that precisely as shown and described above.

1. A joining apparatus for use with a building component having aninsert structure, a channel, an engagement structure disposed in saidchannel such that the building component is securable in the channelwithout the use of additional mechanical fasteners.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the engagement structure includes a first retainingelement configured to engage with a building component having a planarsurface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the engagement structureincludes a second retaining element that is configured to engage with abuilding component having a complementary configured insert structure.4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of channelseach having an engagement structure disposed therein.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the treated surface includes serrations.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the thickness of the building component isless than 1 inch.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising anadhesive disposed on the engagement structure.
 8. The apparatus of claim1 wherein the channel is configured to receive an aircraft buildingcomponent.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rub strip.10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a structural projectionthat allows a complementary configured rub strip retainer cavity to joinwith said joint apparatus.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thebuilding component is an aircraft interior building component.
 12. Ajoining apparatus comprising: a channel with an engagement structure;and a building component including a coupling portion that is configuredto engage with the channel such that the resultant joined apparatus isfree from mechanical fasteners.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 whereinthe building component includes a jamb element.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein the building component includes a panel.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12 wherein the coupling portion of the buildingcomponent includes an insert.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein thecoupling portion of the building component includes an insert that isconfigured to adjoin with the engagement structure which includes acomplimentary configured slots.
 17. The joining apparatus of claim 12that includes a rub strip.
 18. The joining apparatus of claim 12 thatincludes a structural projection that allows a complementary configuredretainer cavity on a rub strip to join with said joint apparatus. 19.The joining apparatus of claim 12 wherein the building component is anaircraft interior structure.
 20. A method of assembling an interior ofan aircraft, the method comprising: providing a joint apparatus,attaching a building component to the joint apparatus without the use ofmechanical fasteners.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprisingapplying an adhesive to a surface of the building component prior toinserting said building component into a channel.
 22. A method ofassembling an interior of an aircraft, the method comprising: engaging ajoint apparatus with a building component such that the resulting joinedstructure is free of mechanical fasteners.